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ROYALTON 

A GAME OF 
AUCTION BRIDGE WHIST 




GENEVA. NEW YORK 
1915 



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Copyright, 19 is 

BY 

G. M. B. HAWLEY 
Geneva, New York 



No.- 



APR I2!9i5 



W. F. HUMPHREY, PRINTER 
GENEVA, N. Y. 



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)GI.A397546 



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+> PREFACE 



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The following pages will, by some, no doubt, be considered 
audacious, but, with whatever boldness, it is with a sincere 
conviction that two years of test and practice, may develop, at 
least, an encouraging step toward a permanent form of the 
game. 

No doubt this treatise will call forth severe criticism; 
but, it is hoped, that being based upon both theory and prac- 
tice, the soundness of which may be easily determined, it will 
merit indulgence. It is published at the earnest solicitation 
of the many who have studied and practiced it. 

Geneva. N. Y., March 1. 1915. G. M. B. H. 





CONTENTS 










Page 


History 


m 


m 


- 7 


The Nullo 


m 


m 


16 


Honors 


- 


- 


. 17 


Dealer "No Bid" - 


. 


« 


18 


Slam 


. 


- 


- 18 


Game 


- 


- 


19 


Bridging 


- 


- 


- 20 


Royalton - 


- 


- 


22 


Forming Tables 


(Laws 


1- 4) 


- 25 


Cutting Out 


(Laws 


5) 


25 


Right of Entry 


(Laws 


6- 11) 


- 26 


Cutting 


(Laws 


12- 14) 


26 


Shuffling 


(Laws 


15- 17) 


- 27 


The Deal 


(Laws 


18- 23) 


27 


New Deal 


(Laws 


24- 29) 


- 28 


The Declaration 


(Laws 


30- 43) 


29 


Doubling — Redoubling 


(Laws 


44- 49) 


- 33 


Cards Exposed Before Play (Laws 


50- 51) 


34 


Dummy 


(Laws 


52- 58) 


- 19.22.35 


Leads Out of Turn 


(Laws 


59- 62) 


37 


Cards Exposed During 


Play (Laws 


63- 72) 


- 37 


Cards Played in Error 


(Laws 


73- 75) 


39 


The Revoke 


(Laws 


7^81) 


- 40 


Scoring 


(Laws 


82- 92) 


42 


The Rubber 


(Laws 


93) 


- 44 


General Rules 


(Laws 


94- 99) 


44 


New Cards 


(Laws 


100-101) 


- 45 


Bystanders 


(Laws 


102) 


45 


Etiquette of Royalton 


- 


- 


- 46 



TO 

THE MANY FRIENDS 

WHO HAVE ENCOURAGED 

ITS PUBLICATION, 

THIS BOOK IS 

RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED 



ROYALTON 



CHAPTER I 

During the latter part of 1912 the author undertook to 
develop, in connection with the bidding in Auction, a system 
which would avoid conventional bids, without merit in them- 
s^ves, in order to convey information, and, if possible, to 
confine the bidding to definite and fair information to be 
found within the hands. The system was completed, and the 
manuscript ready for the press, when from every quarter 
appeared the interloper lily or "royal spades." 

This condition of radical and frequent changes seemed 
convincing that the game of Auction was unsatisfactory, or 
changes would not be suggested or adopted, and, to this end, 
it was self-evident, that some limit must be reached in order 
to standardize the game. 

If then, the causes and reasons underlying this series of 
changes could be definitely determined, it should be possible 
to fix the logical limit, and the game of Auction would then 
assume a fixed and standard form. 

A complete history of Auction, developed through its fore- 
runners Bridge and Whist, the latter the most popular and 
standard game with cards ever known, should, in a large 
measure, determine the salient features of the final game. 
Equally important, however, are the changes themselves. 



8 ROYALTON 

which have been made from time to time, for they should 
indicate the end toward which the game is tending. 

The development of Auction has occasioned controversies 
of no greater degree than Whist suffered during its two hun- 
dred years of popularity as the king of games. Whist and 
Bridge having furnished the greater portion of the game of 
Auction, it is not surprising that controversies should be 
centered upon the bidding and scoring, the essential and dis- 
tinguishing features, in order to provide a game, satisfactory 
in form, as a substitute for Whist. 

Whist became unpopular, because it had been reduced to a 
practical science — Bridge gave way to Auction because of its 
own imperfections — Auction will increase In popularity in 
proportion as its development approaches a scientific solution, 
and the correction of its imperfections, and it then becomes a 
game in which there are unlimited opportunities for the exer- 
cise of skill, thus enabling the opponents to turn the chances 
in the cards. 

An unequal contest soon loses its interest, and this was the 
cause of the downfall of Bridge. Success is the incentive in 
all games, and that system alone will survive in Auction which 
in elimination of chance and the production of opportunities 
for skill, develops an equal contest. 

The game of Auction will advance then in proportion as the 
excellent parts of Whist are retained, with the attractive 
features of bidding added, and such limitations provided that 
the former are not destroyed. 

The system herein proposed is in a way radical in its 
nature, yet, it is believed, that in it will be recognized the 



ROYALTON 9 

theories underlying the many changes now adopted and con- 
tinually being proposed. 

Discarding the manuscript on the present system of bidding 
early in 1913, and proceeding upon the theories developed by 
the changes made and proposed at that time the following 
conditions appeared to exist: 

First: The system of arbitrary values, ranging from 2 to 
1 2, was unsatisfactory because of the inequality due to values 
disproportionate to the real merit in the hands themselves, 
and resulting in skill being overwhelmed by chance. 

The reduction of the no-trump to 10 and raising clubs to 
6 and diamonds to 7 in a measure temporarily satisfied, but 
soon we find the "interloper" lily, two values for spades, yet 
one in play, in order to complete a continuous series from 6 to 
10, leaving the lonely spade at 2 to represent the compulsory 
bid of the dealer, or to convey information of weakness, 
unnecessary, undesired and it may be improper. 

The present system, with values from 6 to 10 and spades at 
2, had hardly become accepted, when the nullo appeared, first 
at 10, then at 9, and finally at 8, but below hearts. It will 
thus be seen that, in the endeavor to duplicate values, the 
nullo became a half bid between diamonds and hearts, and 
finally quieted down at the center of this whirlpool of changes. 

In March, 1913, the system of bidding herein developed 
was completed, and for a period of six months was tested under 
continuous and comparative play by the same methods 
formerly used in Duplicate Whist, and for more than a year 
and a half has been circulated and played in many of the large 
cities. It is gratifying to learn that wherever this system 



10 ROYALTON 

has been introduced it has superseded all present systems, and 
during the entire time neither experts, to whom it has been 
submitted, nor the casual player has desired any changes. 

The publication of this treatise is due to the earnest solicita- 
tion of the many experts and critics to whom it has been 
submitted, and its devotees are now numbered in the thous- 
ands. It is not to be expected that it will be received without* 
opposition, but it is hoped the patience and indulgence of the 
reader will produce the same confidence which it now enjoys 
from all those who have unconditionally accepted it. 

Nothing can more clearly define the ultimate limit of these 
changes than the trend of those which have taken place. 
This logical limit requires the discarding of all arbitrary and 
unscientific values, and their unification into a single value 
for each and every trick odd beyond the book of six. 

This value was placed at 10 for each trick odd and still 
remains, in part to satisfy the lover of no-trump, and partly 
to simplify the score. 

The production of a real contest and the demand for the 
exercise of skill is thus obtained. The play for the tricks odd 
with the spade trump is as skillful as with the club, diamond, 
heart or royal spade, but varies with the no-trump declara- 
tion, which creates a different condition, both in bidding and 
the play. 

There has been great opposition to the nullo declaration, 
particularly, it would seem from its interference with the 
arbitrary system of values and having no logical place, unless 
as a half bid or above the no-trump, which latter place it 
could not hold against the prejudice in favor of that declara- 



ROYALTON 11 

tion, not because of the scientific importance of the no-trump 
as a final declaration in the game, but because of the fact that 
with the fewest number of tricks a player could go game. In 
proportion to the real value of the nuUo, as an addition to the 
game, there was no niche prepared to receive it, and, in the 
tendency to equalize values, it found its final resting place. 
The trump declaration more often being the safer, judgment 
is subrogated to value with the no-trump, which prevented the 
nuUo from assuming its proper importance above it, even 
though arbitrary values were used. 

It is not the purpose here to enter into any controversy over 
the nullo; that they have survived is due to the able and 
persistent efforts of Miss Irwin; that this prejudice and 
opposition will readily disappear there can be no doubt when 
the cause is removed by the equalization of all values, and 
the nullo expert will welcome it in its proper place, the highest 
declaration. The precariousness of the nullo declaration, the 
skill required to properly execute the play, and its true value 
in the game is clearly developed in the play of this system. 
Formerly the nullo struggled for existence, but it should, and 
here merits its proper reward. 

In any event, experience with this system has shown that 
the no-trump, having lost its fictitious value, skill and judg- 
ment become the test, and it is rarely the final declaration. 
With a test of seventy-two hands it was but once the final 
declaration, and then because of an error in the partner's 
support. 

There are thirteen tricks of four cards each, and the skill 
in the game of Whist, Bridge or Auction is directed to success 



12 ROYALTON 

attending the taking of the "odd" or thirteenth trick, or more, 
the advantage to be sought is the number of tricks odd beyond 
six by either side, and not arbitrary score values therefor. 

A scientific system then should be based upon a single value 
for these tricks odd, and the reward should be the same for 
each and every one, whatever the declaration. 

Presuming then that the history of the game of Auction and 
the study of the series of changes develop the logical limit to 
be this single value for each and every trick odd, let us con- 
sider what two years of experience has developed in the game, 
with this system. 

First: It has removed, with rare exceptions the deplorable 
and annoying complaint with regard to poor cards, since the 
two hands become amalgamated into a single play and the 
unfairness in the arbitrary values being removed, it has 
minimized chance and increased possible skill by developing 
a fair and equal contest, the opponents being satisfied that 
they have had their "day in court." As expressed by one 
experienced in the game, "chance in other systems reigns 
supreme, and skill more often than not is relegated to mini- 
mize the loss, while the resultant, the score, becomes a balance 
sheet of chances — a flirt with chance and a wink at skill." 

Second: No system approaches perfection in a bidding 
game, except in proportion as it develops from the cards the 
opportunity of forcing the successful bidder to reach the high- 
est declaration which the two combined hands contain as to 
character and number of tricks odd. 

The experience with this system has shown in this respect 
that a trick odd above the declaration is a rare experience, 



ROYALTON 13 

and that the greatest skill must be summoned by the declarant 
to fulfill his contract. An error is fatal to his success. In 
seventy-two test hands fifteen scored over tricks, eleven 
failed to fulfill the contract, and forty-six fulfilled the contract 
as declared, and no more. 

Third: No system approaches perfection in the game of 
Auction which will not produce out of the four hands that bid, 
in character and number, which is the best possible successful 
declaration which can be made. 

That this system advantageously used does generally pro- 
duce the final declaration as to character and number in 
accordance with the highest and best declaration contained 
in the four hands is easily developed when it is understood and 
properly played. 

The game is called "Royalton" because of the royal bid 
which has been developed in each and every declaration. 

From the inception of the game of Auction the bidding has 
proceeded upon two theories: First, the advantage to be 
obtained by the declarant fulfilling his contract; and second, 
the advantage of opponents in penalizing declarant for under- 
tricks, thus abandoning the purpose of the declaration, the 
goal for game and rubber. 

To this end "pushing" bids have usurped in a large measure 
the real object of the game, and have turned judgment often 
into "bluff" akin to poker and other games where personality 
and chance reign supreme. 

Under former systems the pushing habit, even within 
reason, has played too great a part in the final score. Es- 
pecially is this true as advised by many authors, when the 



14 ROYALTON 

declarant robs the merit bid of the play, preferring to accept 
a double or a moderate loss to prevent game and rubber, and 
the careful or conservative player, unlike poker, has no 
opportunity "to call." 

The habit or custom of pushing is neither strategy nor 
science, in the development of the score toward game and 
rubber, and at least an opportunity should be granted to the 
meritorious bidder "to call." 

It is self-evident that two odd in one suit declaration is as 
hard to play as the same bid in any other suit, and that bid 
should survive, and its declarant play, in which the greater 
merit exists. To this end, the tricks odd taken being the test 
of skill, it is improper that the weak bid, (merely because 
some series of ascendant bids is necessary to create the game,) 
should outrank another on an equal number of tricks odd, 
merely because of the relation which exists in the series. The 
system therefore develops that a meritorious bid may "call" 
the pushing bid, or outrank an equal bid for tricks odd by 
bidding his lower declaration as a "royal." For example, A has 
declared three spades, and an opponent three hearts. A is 
convinced either that the opponent is pushing him beyond his 
judgment, or that three hearts is not as meritorious as the 
three spades. Accordingly he calls the opponent on both or 
either theory, and raises his three spades to three spades 
"royal." The effect of this is, that without gaining any value 
per trick on his score for game, if he fulfills his contract of 
three spades, A loses 100 per trick if he is unsuccessful. In 
effect, so far as the penalty is concerned, he calls the oppo- 
nent's bluff by risking 100 to 50 that his three spades is a more 
meritorious declaration than the opponent's three heeu-ts. 



ROYALTON 15 

The royal, allowing as it does the two bids for the same 
number of tricks odd, in effect creates a half bid, although the 
penalty being doubled it is more effective and serves as a two 
edge sword. 

Since the aim and object of this system is to unify all values 
into one, discarding all arbitrary values, the royal or half bid, 
directed as it is to the principle of tricks odd, furnishes one 
of the most important elements of the system, since in prac- 
tice it nullifies what otherwise remains as the last element 
of arbitrary values, the series of ascending positions in the 
bidding which any game of Auction requires, for the series, 
spade, club, diamond, heart, no-trump, and nullo, must in 
the first instance remain, or a game of bidding or Auction 
could not exist. So that even here we find, through the 
"royal," the practical unification of this ascending series, and 
the arbitrary values. 

So far then as the bidding is concerned, in this system the 
following order is maintained in the declaration, the number 
of tricks odd counting 10 each toward game if declarant is 
successful. The order of the series is spade, club, diamond, 
heart, no-trump, nullo. 

In defence of this order it may be well to outline the ex- 
perience with this system in order to satisfy the incredulous 
as to its wisdom. 

In the first place, as has been explained, the no-trump bid, 
heretofore attractive because of its arbitrary value and the 
ability to go game in the least number of tricks, determines 
its own true value when it is the final declaration in not more 
than one hand in seventy-two. The fact of the matter is, 



16 ROYALTON 

and, it is presumed that but few will consider this statement 
as anything but heresy, the no-trump bid from its real import- 
ance as a final declaration should be placed below the spade, 
and therefore the lowest declaration. 

THE NULLO 

In many parts of the country the clubs and players still 
hesitate to accept the nullo, and, but for the perseverance of 
Miss Irwin, it would probably have disappeared from the 
game. 

In former systems of bidding this feeling can be readily 
understood, since the effect of the nullo bid is in the nature 
of a disturber of the peace, but this condition is due to the 
system of arbitrary values alone, which, in this system, is 
discarded, and therefore the feeling respecting the nullo will 
disappear when its value is appreciated, not only as a declara- 
tion as proper as the no-trump, but the most precarious of all 
and the most difficult to play. If it be remembered that the 
primary object of the present system is to minimize the 
chance of the cards and increase opportunities for skill, the 
merit of the nullo declaration cannot be doubted, and ex- 
perience has shown in this system that one of the principal 
advantages, the production of the best possible declaration in 
the four hands and the maximum declaration possible to be 
played successfully, is best produced with the assistance of 
the nullo. 

The nullo expert will undoubtedly welcome this declaration 
in its proper place, at the top of the series. It must be noted, 
however, that objections to the nullo in this system should 



ROYALTON 17 

not be predicated upon the prejudice raised in any other sys- 
tem of bidding. 

If the nullo is to be discarded, so should the no-trump, for 
in Whist there were but the four suits, and the no-trump Ho 
losc^^ is as logical as the no-trump Ho win,^ if either is to retain 
a place in Auction. 

The nullo on the other hand finds frequent play as the final 
declaration, while the no-trump rarely, if ever; the proof is 
too convincing for argument. The no-trump, constituting 
the greatest favorite under other systems, due only to its 
value, is a most valuable asset here, in that honest information, 
strength, can be developed. Its value under this system has 
been reduced to an honest call for the partner's best suit, and 
this call is mandatory. The suits and nullo, once developed 
immediately relegates the no-trump to the "call" alone, and, 
with the numerous bids possible, including the "royal," on 
each plain declaration, fear of the no-trump declaration is 
developed and logically it is out of the running, except against 
possible high nullo declarations, where preference to the nullo 
declaration has prevented the disclosure of the real location of 
the suits, a rare condition. This experience is self-evident 
after familiarity with the system. 

In the original manuscript, under the former systems, were 
advocated many radical changes, which are here introduced, 
no reason being found or advanced for abandoning them. 

HONORS 

Whist, the king of games of cards, within the experience of 
the author, counted honors, which were later properly dis- 



18 ROYALTON 

carded, and never thereafter found a place. The object of 

this system, to minimize the chance and increase the skill, 

requires the discarding of the honors, not only as unscientific, 

but because this chance in the cards is too often used to make 

an unsuccessful declaration, counting on chance for the honors 

to cover the score lost and prevent a merit declaration from 

the play, and possibly game and rubber. 

The honors in connection with this system are therefore 

discarded. 

DEALER "NO BID" 

This was advocated strongly upon the theory that as every 
other hand had the privilege of declaring or passing, it was 
absurd not to allow the dealer the same privilege, a possible 
chance at strategy, instead of compelling a declaration of 
weakness when it might not be desired. The only argument 
advanced against it was that each dealer was so penalized in 
his turn. That four wrongs make a right is hardly con- 
vincing. 

LITTLE SLAM— GRAND SLAM 

It was advocated that these should be discarded as 2tn 
honor or bonus score unless they were declared. In former 
systems the bidding of a Little Slam or Grand Slcim was so 
rare that it was an astounding bid, and with all systems of 
arbitrary values, how frequently we find the weak and imp)os- 
sible hands thus severely penalized by the bonus for the excess 
of chance playing into the hands of declarant. Tricks odd in 
excess of the declaration are usually found in the system of 
arbitrary values. On the other hand, in this system extra 
tricks odd with the bidding in the hands of experienced play- 



ROYALTON 19 

ers, are rare, and the declarant must bid the Little Slgmi or 
the Grand Slam and fulfill his contract to obtain this reward, 
which is justly merited. The bonus score for the Little Slam 
is 100, and for the Grand Slam 250. Consider that the 
attractiveness of these rewards is an assistance to the weaker 
hands and merited if successful. 

THE GAME 

Heretofore a game has been 30 points, but, under the pres- 
ent system, experience has developed that each and every 
set of four hands contains a declaration from which four 
tricks or more odd can be made. This system has shown that 
this best declaration is generally developed, and that, if the 
game is left at three tricks odd or 30, practically every 
successful hand is a game, and therefore the game is raised to 
40, or four tricks odd, which will soon be found to be the 
proper amount and satisfactory in its results. 

THE DUMMY OR OPEN HAND 

Giving up of the open hand, was advocated, and thus 
make the game of Auction one which contains all of the attrac- 
tive features and the science of Whist combined with the good 
features of bidding. Owing to the fact that this proposition 
has received little response from the multitude of players, 
but not the expert, on account of the attractive features of 
the open hand, this change is not here proposed, but after 
more than a year of play without the open hand, this change is 
suggested to those who are devotees of Whist, and to whom 
the games of Bridge and Auction have never been a real 
substitute. 



20 ROYALTON 

BRroOING 

Bridge Whist, in the greatest degree of any of these varia- 
tions, was true to its name, for it partook of the game of 
Whist in the main, with the addition of the open hand, and 
also an element of bridging, but only with regard to the 
bid. On the other hand. Auction Bridge Whist is a misnomer, 
since the game has become one of conversation through the 
conventions established for conveying information, such as 
the spades and others, until little if any, of real Whist is left. 
Certain it is that the element of Bridge or bridging was 
unheard of in Auction until the advent of the nullo, and this 
being the negative of no-trumps, encouraged everything con- 
nected with it to be bid, played and counted in the reverse. 

It is fundamental that the game of Whist, Bridge, or 
Auction is a game of two hands combined as one against the 
opponent's hands, and that the bidding and play should be 
restricted to meritorious, fair and honest information, devel- 
oped from and within the cards themselves. Every oppor- 
tunity within such proper limits should be granted, in order 
to obtain the best results and give full license to strategy and 
skill, too often not considered, when in reality one of the 
greatest weapons of offense and defence. Since then the 
partners are playing together, not for the best results that the 
particular declarant may be able to produce, but for the best 
result that the two hands and the two partners can produce, 
it is self-evident that if, for zmy reason, since there is going to 
be an open hand, the declarant upon whom the burden of the 
play has fallen, should determine that the greatest offense or 
defence can be made by bridging the play, fundamentally the 



ROYALTON 21 

two hands being considered as one, and, therefore, the two 
partners considered as one, each and every declarant should 
be entitled, without suggestion or assistance from his partner, 
to determine whether the play of the hand should be bridged 
to his partner. As a mere suggestion, would it not often 
happen that the odds of chance and skill would be more 
nearly equalized if this privilege were granted? 

This suggestion of bridging all hands, at the option of 
declarant, did not find a ready acceptance: The only argu- 
ment urged against it is that, in case of the double with a no- 
trump declaration, the declarant might find an avenue to 
escape by reversing the lead. Since, however, the no-trump 
has practically disappeared in this system as a final declara- 
tion, such argument would now seem futile, and, while the 
matter is here discussed, for the present, at least, it is not here 
included. If this strategy is to be denied the declarer of 
suits, it should not in any event be denied to the declarer 
of the nuUo, (whose bid, it may be, has been unsupported by 
his partner). If in his judgment he wishes to play the com- 
bined hands for all they are worth, and can, with the knowl- 
edge that his may become the open hand, so guard the 
deficiencies in his partner's hand, (called by silence or by a 
covering bid) he should be entitled to this privilege, not only 
because of the danger which he voluntarily faces, but at the 
same time to protect and retain the real value of the nullo — 
a most potent factor in producing the results which are claimed 
for this system. 



22 ROYALTON 

DUMMY 

Heretofore "Dummy" has been allowed all kinds of privileges. 
A few only of the average players know just what these 
privileges are, and but a few of these realize and observe 
them. The logic of these privileges is not apparent and cer- 
tainly contributes nothing to the play or skill of the game. 
If, as in Whist, there be no open hand, such conversations 
and privileges would be deplorable and condemned, and with 
what sort of reasoning can they be justified with an open hand? 
The privileges of the Dummy are therefore here curtailed, 
and if the open hand should be discarded, the reasons for 
discarding it now will become self-evident. 

In conclusion, this system is submitted to the student of 
Whist, Bridge and Auction. To the Whist student no doubt 
it will appeal, as it has appealed to many who have never 
been enthusiastic Bridge or Auction players. To the Bridge 
and Auction players it should appeal since it is based upon two 
years of test and practice, and it is believed that the exercise 
of a little patience and indulgence, until the system is under- 
stood, will show convincingly that it has removed most of the 
objectionable features to the Whist and Auction player, and 
removed the necessity for the continual changes which have 
been proposed and adopted from time to time in the past. 

As a summary it is suggested that in this system, 

1 . The game of Royalton is considered a contest of a com- 
bination of two hands and two players against two opposing 
hands and opponents. 

2. That an equal contest is the proper spirit and attrac- 
tiveness in all games. 



ROYALTON 23 

3. That this system produces more nearly than any other 

(a) the best possible declaration to be found in the four hands. 

(b) the highest bid for tricks odd possible to fulfill the contract 
in that declaration. 

4. That the best and highest declaration being produced, 
the skill and strategy of declarant is taxed to fulfill the con- 
tract, thus encouraging the exercise of both. 

5. That arbitrary values are discarded and the proper goal 
is placed with the comparative bid upon tricks odd, 

6. That chance is minimized and the opportunities for 
skill and strategy increased. 

7. That the bidding necessarily is confined within limits 
of merit within the cards themselves, conventions being super- 
fluous since the game becomes one of deductions and infer- 
ences. 

8. That a bid upon merit cannot be forced to an additional 
trick odd, through unwise or improper bidding of opponents, 
or because of a pushing bid. 

9. That by means of the "royal" bid in all declarations the 
merit bid finds protection. 

10. That the scoring is easily understood. 

1 1 . That the Little Slam and Grand Slam can be rewarded 
only when declared and successful. 

12. That the honors do not play any part in the game, 
being due entirely to chance, and are therefore discarded. 

13. That the system develops universal satisfaction 
amongst players, whatever their cards, since with the nullo 
and the "royal" bid, declarant cannot overwhelm the poor 
hands, and the weak hand feels that it has had "its day in 
court." 



24 ROYALTON 

14. That the no-trump declaration is rarely a final bid, 
but a logical and effective call for the partner's best suit to 
develop a suit declaration, which in most cases is a safer play, 
and that the attractive features of the no-trump declaration 
have heretofore been fictitious, except as to high arbitrary 
value and the greatest chance of going game. 

15. That the nullo is as logical as the no-trump, and, in 
fact, a potent factor in equalizing the chance in the cards, 
and assisting in one of the main results to be obtained, the 
best possible declaration and the highest tricks odd. 

1 6. That the declarant rarely scores when successful more 
tricks odd than his bid, showing that with this system full 
value in the bids is obtained. 

1 7. That in the average hand the best possible declaration 
in the four hands, as shown by the bidding and the score, will 
produce more than an average of three tricks odd per hand, 
and therefore that if the game is left at three tricks odd, or 30, 
with rare exceptions, every hand would constitute a game, if 
the declarant fulfilled his contract, and therefore that the 
game should constitute four tricks, or 40. 

18. Bridging, The game becomes Auction Bridge Whist 
because declarant of the nullo may on his own initiative bridge 
the play to his partner and place his own hand as dummy. 

1 9. Familiarity with this system will, it is believed, create 
a greater interest in the game for all alike. The experience 
has been universal wherever it has been introduced, that those 
familiar with it have discarded the other systems. 



CHAPTER II 



LAWS 



FORMING TABLES 

1. Those first in the room have the prior right to play. 
Candidates of equal standing decide their order by cutting; 
the four who cut lowest play first. 

2. Six players constitute a complete table. 

3. After the table has been formed, the players cut to 
decide upon partners. The two lower cuts play against the 
two higher. The lowest cut is the dealer, who has his choice 
of cards and seats, and, having once made his selection, must 
abide by it. The dealer may consult his partner as to such 
choice before making his decision. 

4. The right to succeed players as they retire is acquired 
by announcing the desire to do so, and such announcements 
in the order made, entitle candidates to fill vacancies as they 
occur. 

CUTTING OUT 

5. If, at the end of a rubber admission be claimed by one 
or two candidates, the player or players who have played the 
greatest number of consecutive rubbers shall withdraw; when 
all have played the same number they cut to decide upon the 
out-goers; the highest are out. 



26 ROYALTON 

RIGHT OF ENTRY 

6. At the end of a rubber a candidate is not entitled to 
enter a table unless he declare his intention before any player 
cut, either for partners, for a new rubber, or for cutting out. 

7. In the formation of new tables candidates who have not 
played at an existing table have the prior right of entry. 
Others decide their right to admission by cutting. 

8. When one or more players belonging to an existing 
table aid in making up a new one, which cannot be formed 
without him or them, he or they shall be the last to cut out. 

9. A player belonging to one table who enters another, or 
announces a desire to do so, forfeits his rights at his original 
table, unless the new table cannot be formed without him in 
which case he may retain his position at his original table by 
announcing his intention to return as soon as his place at the 
new table can be filled. 

10. Should a player leave a table during the progress of a 
rubber, he may, with the consent of the three others, appoint 
a substitute to play during his absence; but such appoint- 
ment becomes void upon the conclusion of the rubber, and 
does not in any way affect the rights of the substitute. 

11. If a player break up a table, the others have a prior 
right of entry elsewhere. 

CUTTING 

12. In cutting, the ace is the lowest card; between cards 
of otherwise equal value, the heart is the lowest, the diamond 
next, the club next, and the spade highest. The lowest card 
cut wins the cut. 



/ 



ROYALTON 27 

13. Every player must cut from the same pack. 

14. Should a player expose more than one card, his cut is 
void and the cards must be re-cut. 

SHUFFLING 

15. The pack must not be shuffled below the table nor so 
the face of any card be seen. 

16. The dealer's partner must collect the cards from the 
preceding deal and has the right to shuffle first. Each player 
has the right to shuffle subsequently. The dealer has the 
right to shuffle last, but should a card or cards be seen during 
his shuffling or while giving the pack to be cut he must re- 
shuffle. 

1 7. After shuffling, the cards, properly collected, must be 
placed face downward to the left of the next dealer, where 
they must remain untouched until the end of the current deal. 

THE DEAL 

1 8. Players deal in turn; the order of dealing is to the left. 

19. Immediately before the deal, the player on the deal- 
er's right shall cut, so that each packet contains at least four 
cards, and also complete the cut. If, in or after cutting, 
and prior to the beginning of the deal, a card be exposed, or if 
any doubt exist as to the place of the cut, the dealer must 
re-shuffle and the same player must cut again. 

20. After the pack has been properly cut, it should not 
be re-shuffled or re-cut except as provided in Law 1 9. 

21 . Should the dealer shuffle after the cut, his adversaries 
may also shuffle and the pack must be cut again. 



28 ROYALTON 

22. The fifty-two cards must be dealt face downward. 
The deal is completed when the last card is dealt. 

23. In the event of a misdeal, the same pack must be 
dealt again by the same player. 

A NEW DEAL 

24. There must be a new deal: 

(a) If the cards be not dealt into four packets, one 
at a time and in regular rotation, beginning at 
the dealer's left. 

(A) If, during a deal or during the play, the pack be 
proven incorrect. 

(c) If any card be faced in the pack, or be exposed 
during the deal in any manner or place what- 
soever. 

(J) If any player have dealt to him a greater number 
of cards than thirteen, whether discovered 
before or during the play. 

(e) If the dealer deals two cards at once to a player, 
and does not correct the cards before proceeding 
with the deal, so that they fall in proper rota- 
tion. 

(/) If the dealer omit to have the pack cut, and either 
adversary calls attention to the fact prior to the 
completion of the deal, and before either adver- 
sary has looked at any of his cards. 

(^) If the last card does not fall in its regular order to 
the dealer. 

(Ji) If the dealer or his partner exposes any card after 
the deal and before the final bid is made. 

(0 If either of the dealer's opponents expose a card 
after the deal and before the final bid is made. 

0*) If the dealer or his partner looks at any card 
before the deal is completed. 



ROYALTON 29 

25. Should a correction of any offence mentioned in Law 24 
(/) not be made in time, or should an adversary who has looked 
at any of his cards, be the first to call attention to the error, 
the deal stands and the game proceeds as if the deal had been 
correct, the player to the left dealing the next. When the 
deal has been with the wrong cards, the next dealer may take 
whichever pack he prefers. 

26. If, prior to the cut for the following deal, a pack be 
proven incorrect, the deal is void, but all prior scores stand. 

27. The pack is not incorrect when a missing card or cards 
are found in the other pack, among the quitted tricks, below 
the table, or in any other place which makes it possible that 
such card or cards were a part of the pack during the deal. 

28. Should three players have their proper number of 
cards, the fourth, less, the missing card or cards, if found, 
belong to him, and he, unless dummy, is answerable for any 
established revoke or revokes he may have made just as if the 
missing card or cards had been continuously in his hand. 
When a card is missing, any player may search the other pack, 
the quitted tricks, or elsewhere for it. 

If before, during, or at the conclusion of play, one player 
holds more than the proper number of cards, and another less, 
the deal is void. 

29. A player may not cut, shufHe, or deal for his partner 
if either adversary object. 

THE DECLARATION 

30. The dealer, having examined his hand, must declare 
to win at least one trick "odd," either with a specified suit, or 



30 ROYALTON 

at no-trump, or to compel the opponents to take at least one 
trick "odd," at nullo, or the dealer may declare "no bid". 

31. After the dealer has declared, each player in turn, 
beginning on the dealer's left, must pass, make a higher 
declaration, double the last declaration, or re-double a declara- 
tion which has been doubled, subject to the provisions of 
Law 45. 

32. Whenever a player has declared any number of tricks 
"odd" in a specified suit, no-trump, or nullo, any other player 
in turn may make a declaration of an equal number of tricks 
"odd" royal, which shall constitute a higher declaration than 
any plain declaration of an equal number. The royal bid 
entitles the declarant, if successful, to count only 10 for each 
trick "odd", but if unsuccessful, entitles the opponents to score 
in the penalty score 100 for each under-trick of declarant. 

33. A player in his turn may overbid a previous adverse 
declaration any number of times, and may also overbid his 
partner or his own declaration, but he cannot overbid his own 
declaration, which has been passed by the three other players. 

34. The player who makes the final declaration must play 
the combined hands, his partner becoming dummy, unless the 
suit or no-trump, finally declared, was bid by the partner 
before it was called by the final declarer, in which case the 
partner, no matter what bids have intervened, must play the 
combined hands. If the declarant's bid is a nullo, then, with- 
out consultation with his partner, the declarzint may pass the 
play of the combined hands to his partner, and himself 
become dummy. This privilege of bridging the play of the 
nullo by declarant to his partner shall remain until such time 



ROYALTON 31 

as the declarant shall have bridged the play to his partner, or 
shall have called the lead from the opponent on his left. 

35. When the player of the two hands (hereinafter termed 
the declarer) wins at least as many tricks odd as he declared, 
he scores the full value of the tricks odd won at 10 per trick 
toward game, unless doubled, or doubled and re-doubled, as 
provided in Law 83. 

36. When the declarer fails to win as many tricks odd as he 
declares, neither he nor his adversaries score anything toward 
the game, but his adversaries score in their penalty and bonus 
column 50 points for each under-trick (that is each trick short 
of the number declared). If the declaration be doubled, the 
adversaries score 100 points for each under-trick; if re- 
doubled, 200 points for each under-trick. If the declaration 
be a royal and be doubled, the adversaries score 200 points 
for each under-trick, and if re-doubled 400 points for each 
under-trick. 

37. If a player made a declaration out of turn, either 
adversary may demand a new deal, or may allow such 
declaration to stand, in which case the bidding shall con- 
tinue as if the declaration had been in turn. 

If a player pass out of turn, it shall be considered as a bid 
out of turn. 

38. If a player make an insufficient or impossible declara- 
tion, either adversary may demand that it be penalized. The 
penalty for an insufficient declaration is that the bid is made 
sufficient in the declaration named and the partner of the 
declarer may not further declare unless an adversary subse- 
quently bid or double. The penalty for an impossible declara- 



32 ROYALTON 

tion is that the bid is made seven in the suit named and the 
partner of the declarer may not further declare unless an 
adversary subsequently bid or double. Either adversary, 
instead of penalizing an impossible declaration, may demand 
a new deal, or that the last declaration made on behalf of his 
partnership become the final declaration. 

39. If a player who has been debarred from bidding under 
Laws 38 or 50, during the period of such prohibition, make any 
declaration (other than passing), either adversary may decide 
whether such declaration stand, and neither the offending 
player nor his partner may further participate in the bidding 
even if the adversaries double or declare. 

40. A penalty for a declaration out of turn (see Law 37,) 
an insufficient or impossible declaration (see Law 38), or a 
bid when prohibited (see Law 39) may not be enforced if 
either adversary pass, double, or declare before the penalty be 
demanded. When the penalty for an insufficient declaration 
is not demanded, the bid over which it was made may be 
repeated unless some higher bid have intervened. 

41. Laws which give to either adversary the right to 
enforce a penalty do not permit unlimited consultation. 
Either adversary may call attention to the offense and select 
the penalty, or may say "Partner, you may determine the 
penalty," or words to that effect. Any further consultation 
is prohibited. "Partner, will you select the penalty, or shall 
I?" is not permitted. And if any other consultation take 
place, the right to demand any penalty is lost. The first 
decision made by either adversary is final and cannot be 
altered. 



ROYALTON 33 

42. At any time during the declaration, a question asked 
by a player concerning any previous bid must be answered, 
but, after the final declaration has been accepted, if an adver- 
sary of the declarer inform his partner regarding any previous 
declaration, the declarer may call a lead from the adversary 
whose next turn it is to lead. If the dummy give such in- 
formation to the declarer, either adversary of the declarer may 
call a lead. A player, however, at any time may ask what 
declaration is being played and the question must be 
answered. 

43. A declaration or pass, legitimately made, cannot be 
changed until the next turn in rotation. If so changed, it 
shall be considered as a bid out of turn and subject to the 
penalty, as provided in Law 37. 

DOUBLING AND REDOUBLING 

44. Doubling and redoubling doubles and quadruples the 
value of each trick over six in the score towards game, but it 
does not alter the value of the declaration in its regular order 
in the bidding. 

45. Any declaration may be doubled and redoubled once, 
but not more; a player may not double his partner's declara- 
tion, nor redouble his partner's double but he may redouble a 
declaration of his partner which has been doubled by an 
adversary. 

The penalty for redoubling more than once is 100 points 
in the adverse penalty score, or a new deal, as a bid out of 
turn. (See Law 37) for doubling a partner's declaration 
or redoubling a partner's double 50 points shall be added in 



34 ROYALTON 

the adverse penalty score. Either adversary may demand 
any penalty enforceable under this law. 

46. Doubling or redoubling reopens the bidding (except as 
provided in Law 39). When a declaration has been doubled 
or redoubled, anyone of the three succeeding players, include 
ing the player whose declaration has been doubled, may in his 
proper turn make a further declaration of higher value. 

47. When a player whose declaration has been doubled 
wins the declared number of tricks odd, for making his con- 
tract, or if the final declaration is the nullo and the opponents 
take the number of tricks odd declared, he scores a bonus of 
50 points in his bonus score, and a further 50 points for each 
additional trick beyond the declared number. When he or 
his partner has redoubled, he scores 100 points in his bonus 
score for making his contract and 100 points for each extra 
trick beyond the declared number. 

48. A double or redouble is a declaration, and a player 
who doubles or redoubles out of turn is subject to the penalty 
provided by Law 37. 

49. After the final declaration has been accepted, the play 
begins; the player on the left of the declarer leads, except 
when the final declaration is the nullo and the declarer has 
bridged the play of the dummy hand to his partner, when the 
player on the left of the partner leads. 

CARDS EXPOSED BEFORE PLAY 

50. After the deal and before the declaration has been 
finally determined, if any player lead or expose a card, there 
must be a new deal. 



ROYALTON 35 

51. After the declaration has been accepted as final» and 
before the original lead, if the partner of the proper leader 
expose or lead a card, the declarer may treat it as exposed, 
and may also call a suit lead from the proper leader. A card 
exposed by the original leader, after the final declaration and 
before the lead, is subject to call. 



DUMMY 

52. As soon as the proper original lead has been made, the 
next in turn places his cards face upward on the table, which 
hand becomes the dummy or open hand. 

53. The dummy has all the rights of a player (including 
the right to call attention to a lead from a wrong hand) until 
his cards are placed face upward on the table. He then 
becomes the dummy and takes no part whatever in the play, 
except that he has the right: 

(a) To participate in the discussions of any disputed 
question of fact, or an improper claim of either 
adversary after it has arisen between the de- 
clarer and either adversary. 

(i) To correct an erroneous score, 

54. Should the dummy call attention to any incident in 
the play, in consequence of which any penalty might have 
been exacted, the declarer may not exact such penalty. If such 
incident in the play, in consequence of which no penalty 



36 ROYALTON 

might have been exacted, the opponents shall score 50 points 
in the penalty score. 

55. If the dummy, by touching a card or otherwise, sug- 
gests a play of one of the cards in the dummy hand, either 
adversary may require the declarer to play or not to play such 
card, or either adversary may choose which card declarer shall 
play, if more than one card has been touched or suggested. 
Or, if either adversary prefer, he may elect to add 50 points 
to his penalty score. 

56. If the dummy call to the attention of the declarer that 
he is about to lead from the wrong hand, either adversary may 
require that the lead be made from that hand, or may elect 
to add 50 points to his penalty score. 

57. Dummy is not subject to the revoke penalty. If a 
revoke is made in the dummy hand and the error be not dis- 
covered until the trick be turned and quitted, whether by the 
rightful winners or not and the next proper lead made, the 
trick must stand. 

58. A card from the declarer's hand is not played until 
actually quitted, but should he name or touch a card in the 
dummy hand, such card is played, unless he say "I arrange," 
or words to that effect. If the declarer touch for play two 
or more cards in the dummy hand, the adversary next in turn 
to the dummy hand may elect which card shall be played by 
declarer from the dummy hand. 



ROYALTON 37 

LEADS OUT OF TURN 

59. If either adversary of the declarer's lead out of turn, 
the declarer may either treat the card so led as exposed or may 
call a suit as soon as it is the turn of either adversary to lead. 
Should they lead simultaneously, the lead from the proper 
hand stands, and the other card is exposed. 

60. If the declarer lead out of turn, either from his own 
hand or dummy, he incures no penalty, but he may not rectify 
the error unless directed to do so by an adversary. The rule 
in Law 41 as to consultations governs the right of adversaries 
to consult as to whether such direction be given. If the second 
hand play, the lead is accepted and cannot be changed. 

61. If an adversary of the declarer lead out of turn, and 
the declarer follow either from his own hand or dummy, the 
trick stands. If the declarer before playing refuse to accept 
the lead, the leader may be penalized as provided in Law 59. 

62. If a player called on to a lead a suit have none of it, the 
penalty is paid. 

CARDS EXPOSED DURING PLAY 

63. After the original lead, all cards exposed by the declar- 
er's adversaries are liable to be called and must be left face 
upward on the table. 

64. The following are exposed cards: 

(1) Two or more cards played simultaneously; 

(2) A card dropped face upward on the table, even 

though snatched up so quickly that it cannot 
be named; 



38 ROYALTON 

(3) A card so held by a player that his partner sees 

any portion of its face; 

(4) A card mentioned by either adversary as being 

held in his or his partner's hand. 

65. A card of either adversary dropped on the floor or 
elsewhere below the table, or so held, that it is seen by a 
declarant or dummy but not by the partner, is not an exposed 
card. 

66. Two or more cards played simultaneously by either of 
the declarer's adversaries give the declarer the right to call 
any one of such cards to the current trick and to treat the 
other card or cards as exposed. 

67. Should an adversary of the declarer expose his last 
card before his partner play to the twelfth trick, the two cards 
in his partner's hand become exposed, must be laid face up- 
ward on the table, and are subject to call. 

68. If, without waiting for his partner to play, either of 
the declarer's adversaries play or lead a winning card, as 
against the declarer and dummy and continue (without wait- 
ing for his partner to play) to lead several such cards, the 
declarer may demand that the partner of the player in fault 
win, if he can, the first or any other of these tricks. The other 
cards thus improperly played are exposed. 

69. If either or both of the declarer's adversaries throw 
his or their cards face upward on the table, such cards are 
exposed and liable to be called; but if either adversary retain 
his hand, he cannot be forced to abandon it. Cards exposed 
by the declarer are not liable to be called. If the declarer 
say, "I have the rest," or any words indicating the remaining 



ROYALTON 39 

tricks or any number thereof are his, he may be required to 
place his cards face upward on the table. He is not then 
allowed to call any cards his adversaries may have exposed, as 
a result of his statement, nor to take any finesse not previously 
proven a winner, unless he announces it when making his 
claim for the rest. 

70. If a player who has rendered himself liable to have the 
highest or lowest of a suit called (Laws 73, 78, and 95) fail 
to play as directed, or if, when called on to lead one suit, he 
lead another, having in his hand one or more cards of the suit 
demanded (Laws 51, 59, and 95,) or if, when called upon to 
win or lose a trick, he fail to do so when he can (Laws 68, 73, 
and 96) or if, when called upon not to play a suit, he fail to 
play as directed (Laws 50, and 51), he is liable to the penalty 
for revoke (Law 77) unless such play be corrected before the 
trick be turned and quitted. 

71. A player cannot be compelled to play a card which 
would oblige him to revoke. 

72. The call of an exposed card may be repeated until it 
be played; each failure to so play being subject to the penalty 
of a revoke. 

CARDS PLAYED IN ERROR 

73. Should the fourth hand, not being dummy or declarer, 
play before the second, the latter may be required to play his 
highest or lowest card of the suit led, or to win or lose the 
trick. In such case, if the second hand be void of the suit 
led, the declarer in lieu of any other penalty may call upon the 
second hand to play the highest card of any designated suit. 



40 ROYALTON 

If he name a suit of which the second hand is void, the penalty 
is paid. Should the declarer play third hand before the 
second hand, the fourth hand may without penalty play 
before his partner. 

74. If any one, except dummy, omit playing to a trick, 
and such error be not corrected until he has played to the next, 
the adversaries or either of them may claim a new deal; 
should either decide that the deal stand, the surplus card (at 
the end of the hand) is considered played to the imperfect 
trick, but does not constitute a revoke therein. As to the 
right of adversaries to consult, see Law 41). 

75. When any one, except dummy, plays two or more 
cards to the same trick and the mistake is not corrected, he is 
answerable for any consequent revokes he may make. When 
the error is detected during the play, the tricks may be counted 
face downward, to see if any contain more than four cards; 
should this be the case, the trick which contains a surplus card 
or cards may be examined and such card or cards restored to 
the original holder. Either adversary may decide which card 
shall be considered played to the trick which contains more 
than four cards. 

THE REVOKE 

76. A revoke occurs when a player, other than dummy, 
holding one or more cards of the suit led, plays a card of a 
different suit. It becomes an established revoke when the 
trick in which it occurs is turned and quitted by the rightful 
winners (i. e., the hand removed from the trick after it has been 
turned face downward on the table, or when either the revok- 



ROYALTON 41 

ing player or his partner, whether in turn or otherwise, leads 
or plays to the following trick. See Law 70.) 

77. The penalty for each established revoke is: 

(a) When the declarer revokes, he cannot score for 

tricks and his adversaries add 100 points to 
their score in the penalty column, in addition 
to any penalty which he may have incurred for 
not making good his declaration. 

(b) When either of the adversaries revokes, the de- 

clarer may either add 100 points to his score in 
the penalty column or take three tricks from 
his opponents and add them to his own. Such 
tricks may assist the declarer to make good his 
declaration and to score a slam or little slam 
bid, and shall entitle him to score the bonus 
in the penalty column in case the declaration 
has been doubled or redoubled. 

(c) When, during the play of a deal, more than one 

revoke is made by the same side the penalty for 
each revoke is 100 points. 

78. If a player correct his mistake in time to save a revoke 
any player or players who have followed him may withdraw 
his or their cards and substitute others, and the cards so with- 
drawn are not exposed. If the player in fault be one of the 
declarer's adversaries, the card played in error is exposed, and 
the declarer may call it whenever he pleases, or he may require 
the offender to play his highest or lowest card of the suit to the 
trick, but this penalty cannot be exacted from the declarer. 

79. At the end of the play the claimants of a revoke may 
search all the tricks. If the cards have been mixed, the claim 



42 ROYALTON 

may be urged and proved if possible ; but no proof is necessary 
and the claim is established if, after it is made, the accused 
player or his partner mix the cards before they have been 
sufficiently examined by the adversaries, or admit the revoke. 

80. A revoke cannot be claimed after the cards have been 
cut for the following deal. 

81 . Should both sides revoke, an equal number of times in 
the same hand, no score is permitted, and there must be a new 
deal; if one side revoke more than once, the penalty of 100 
points for each extra revoke is scored by the other side. 

SCORING 

82. Each side shall keep a trick score and a score for all 
other counts, known as the penalty and bonus score. In the 
trick score, the only entries made are points for tricks won 
when declarant fulfills his contract, (See Law 83) which count 
both toward the game and in the total of the rubber. 

All other points, including penalties. Little Slam, and 
Grand Slam, are recorded in the penalty and bonus score, 
which counts only in the total of the rubber and constitute all 
penalties and the bonus for Grand Slam, Little Slam and under 
tricks. 

83. When the declarant wins the number of tricks "odd" 
bid or more, or compels the adversaries on a nuUo declaration 
to take that number of tricks "odd" bid or more, each trick 
above six shall be counted on the trick score of the declarant; 
10 points for each trick "odd" whatever the declaration — 
spade, club, diamond, heart, no-trump, or nullo, or any of 
these declarations bid "royal." 



ROYALTON 43 

84. A game consists of 40 points, made by tricks "odd" 
alone. Every d^al must be played out whether or not during 
it the game be concluded, and any points made (even if in 
excess of 40) are counted. 

85. There shall be no count for the holding of any honors — 
ace, king, queen, knave, or ten. 

86. A Grand Slam is made when partners declare and take 
13 tricks. The Grand Slam counts 250 points in the bonus 
score, only when declared. 

87. A Little Slam is made when partners bid and take 12 
tricks. The Little Slam counts 100 points in the bonus score, 
only when declared. 

88. The values of the Grand Slam or Little Slam are not 
effected by doubling or re-doubling. 

89. At the conclusion of a rubber, the trick and penalty 
and bonus score of each are added, and 250 additional points 
are added to the score of the winners of the rubber. The re- 
sult of the rubber is the difference between the completed 
scores, and constitutes the winner's score. If the final score 
of the losers of the rubber exceeds that of the winners, the 
losers win the amount of the excess. 

90. When a rubber is started with the agreement that the 
play shall terminate, (i. e., no new deal shall commence) at a 
specified time, or upon the happening or not happening of a 
particular event, and the rubber is unfinished at that time, 
the score is made up as it stands, 1 25 being added to the bonus 
score of the winners of a game. A deal, if started, must be 
finished, unless either side is willing to retire and grant the 
opponents 250 points in the bonus score. 



44 ROYALTON 

91 . A proven error in the penalty and bonus score may be 
corrected at any time before the score of the rubber has been 
made up and agreed upon. 

92. A proven error in the trick score may be corrected at 
any time before the declaration has been made in the follow- 
ing game, or if it occur in the final game of the rubber before 
the score has been made up and agreed upon. 

THE RUBBER 

93. The partners first winning two games win the rubber. 

When the first two games decide the rubber, a third game is not 

played. 

GENERAL RULES 

94. A trick turned and quitted may not be looked at 
(except under Law 75) until the end of the play. The penalty 
for the violation of this law is 25 points in the adverse 
penalty score. 

95. Any player during the play of a trick or after the 
four cards are played and before the trick is turned and 
quitted, may demand that the cards be placed before their 
respective players. 

96. When an adversary of the declarer, before his partner 
plays, calls attention to the trick, either by saying it is his, 
or, without being requested to do so, by naming his card or 
drawing it toward him, the declarer may require such partner 
to play his highest or lowest card of the suit led, or to win or 
lose the trick. 

97. If an adversary of the declarer, during the play, make 
any unauthorized reference to any incident of the play, the 



ROYALTON 45 

declarer may call a suit from the adversary whose next turn it 
is to lead. 

98. In all cases where a penalty has been incurred, the 
offender is bound to give reasonable time for the decision of 
his adversaries. 

99. The infraction of any rule where a specific penalty 
is not provided therein, is a penalty of twenty-five points. 

NEW CARDS 

1 00. Unless a pack be imperfect, no player has the right to 
call for one new pack. When fresh cards are demanded, two 
packs must be furnished. When they are produced during a 
rubber, the adversaries of the player demanding them have 
the choice of the new cards. If it be the beginning of a new 
rubber, the dealer, whether he or one of his adversaries call 
for the new cards, has the choice. New cards cannot be sub- 
stituted after the pack has been cut for a new deal. 

101. A card or cards torn or marked must be replaced by 
agreement or new cards furnished. 

BYSTANDERS 

102. While a bystander, by agreement among the players, 
may decide any question, he should not say anything unless 
appealed to; and if he make any remark which calls attention 
to an oversight affecting the score, or to the exaction of a 
penalty, he is liable to be called upon by the players to pay 
the stakes (not extras) lost. 



46 ROYALTON 

ETIQUETTE OF AUCTION 

In the game of Auction slight intimations convey much 
information. The code succinctly states laws which fix 
penalties for every offence. To offend against etiquette is far 
more serious than to offend against a law; for in the latter 
case the offender is subject to the prescribed penalties; in 
the former his adversaries are without redress. 

I. Do not complain. 

I I . Accept your penalties gracefully, you deserve them and 
your opponents did not make the rules. 

III. Declarations should be made in a simple manner, 
thus: "one heart", "one no-trump," "one nullo," "one heart 
royal," "one nullo royal," "pass" "no bid," "double;" they should 
be made orally and not by gesture. 

IV. Aside from his legitimate declaration, a player should 
not show by word or gesture the nature of his hand, or his 
pleasure or displeasure at a play, bid, pass or double. 

V. If a player demand that the cards be placed, he should 
do so for his own information and not to call his partner's 
attention to any card or play. 

VI. An opponent of the declarer should not lead until the 
preceding trick has been turned and quitted; nor, after having 
led a winning card, should he draw another from his hand 
before his partner has played to the current trick. 

VII. A card should not be played with such emphasis as to 
draw attention to it. 

VIII. A player should not purposely incur a penalty 
because he is willing to pay it, nor should he make a second 
revoke to conceal a first. 



ROYALTON 47 

IX. Conversation during the play should be avoided, as 
it may annoy players at the table or at other tables in the 
room, and the slightest conversation bearing on the hand or 
play must have a possible inference or it would not be made. 

X. The dummy should not leave his seat to watch his 
partner play, or to look at any hand. He should not call 
attention to the score nor to any card or cards that he or the 
other players hold. 

XI. If a player say, "I have the rest," or any words 
indicating that the remaining tricks, or any number thereof, 
are his, and one or both of the other players expose his or their 
cards, or request him to play out the hand, he should not 
allow any information so obtained to influence his play. 

XII. If a player concede, in error, one or more tricks, the 
concession should stand. 

XIII. A player having been cut out of one table should not 
seek admission in another unless willing to cut for the privilege 
of entry. 

XIV. A player should not look at any of his cards until the 
end of the deal. 

XV. No player should indicate a choice of lead or pi y by 
drawing or touching his cards. Decide on the card to play 
and avoid useless arguments or unfairness. 



